Midfielder Verratti said he was optimistic that his fellow Italy international would join Carlo Ancelotti's team after reports linked him with a switch.

"Daniele is having a great time in Rome, but it would be a pleasure to play with him," the former Pescara player said, adding that he knew a transfer "will be difficult".

Veratti said he had been sceptical about moving to France during the summer, but explained he had been convinced by the club's ambitions and Ancelotti's plans.

"I played three years as a regular starter in the first team at Pescara, and I had not wanted to go abroad. But when I saw the project that Ancelotti and Leonardo [the PSG director of football] showed me, I immediately said yes.

"In Italy, they always talked about me and saw me as a prospect, but in Paris I have a key role now."